Roland FA-08
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| W × H × D (mm) | 1,415 x 340 x 142[1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 16.5 [1] |
| Manufacturer | Roland |
| Release date | 2014 |
| Standards | General MIDI General MIDI 2[1] |
| Parts | 16[1] |
| Max polyphony | 128[1] |
| Normal presets | 100 SuperNATURAL Acoustic Presets 1115 SuperNATURAL Synth Presets 5 SuperNATURAL Drum Kit Presets 1,152 PCM Synth Presets 65 PCM Drum Kit Presets[1] |
| Effects | 16x MFX (68 Types) 16x EQ (+1 Master EQ) 6x Drum Part COMP+EQ Reverb (6 Types) Chorus (3 Types) Master Compressor [Notes 1] 1x Total Effects (TFX) (29 Types) 1x Mic Input Reverb (8 Types)[1] |
The Roland FA-08 is the 88-Key variant of the Roland FA line of keyboards. Released in 2014, This keyboard was meant to be a modern workstation keyboard, allowing the user to create and play music with it. Most notably, this keyboard contains most of the SuperNATURAL Acoustic (SN-A) patches, A select few SuperNATURAL Drum Kit (SN-D) patches, and all of the SuperNATURAL Synth (SN-S) patches found in the Roland INTEGRA-7, released just a year prior.
This keyboard also used a special Ivory Feel-G Keyboard with Escapement[1]
This keyboard released alongside the Roland FA-06, which was the 67-key variant of the Roland FA line of keyboards.
Tone Engines
There are 2 main types of synthesis engines used for creating the sounds from each patch on the Roland FA series of keyboards.
Most notably, Those are the SuperNATURAL Tone Generation, and PCM Tone Generation.
SuperNATURAL Tone Generation for the Roland FA series is divided into three main parts, SuperNATURAL Acoustic, SuperNATURAL Synth, and SuperNATURAL Drum Kit. (More commonly referred to as SN-A, SN-S, and SN-D respectively.) Each type of SN tone sports the PRST bank, alongside a USER bank for creating custom patches.
PCM Tone Generation functions similarly to how it does on synths that came before the FA series of keyboards, such as the Roland XV-5080. PCM Patches are split into two types, also similarly to how it functions on older synths.
The FA Series of keyboards contains all PCM patches from the Roland XV-5080, while containing a select few Drum Kits from the Roland Fantom-G, and the Roland Fantom-X
SuperNATURAL Acoustic
SuperNATURAL Acoustic tones are exclusively sampled instruments, such as Acoustic and Electric Pianos, Guitars, Basses, Clavs, Organs, Strings (Plucked & Bowed).
These sounds feature unique parameters and controls particular to that instrument, like adjusting the loudness of a fretnoise on a guitar tone, or the bars on an organ tone. SN-A tones adapt to how they are played, simulating proper dynamic change with velocity, or even switching from a legato type of sound to a section depending on how many voices are used. Roland refers to this as "behavior modeling".[2]
While these tones are still sampled, they do not take from the PCM engine tones and cannot be edited like a standard PCM sound. This means these tones don't have the same editing capability of previous Roland synthesizers, or that of any PCM tones. Much of the patch functionality is baked into 1 oscillator/"instrument" bank sound loaded in the SN-A tone.
For a full list of all values editable during playback within a SuperNATURAL Acoustic tone, please see the Roland FA-06 07 08 Parameter Guide.
SuperNATURAL Synth
The second type of SuperNATURAL tone is "SN Synth" which is a different tone generation engine entirely, utilizing 3 oscillators capable of SAW, SQR, PW-SQR, TRI, SINE, NOISE, SUPER-SAW as wave options, as well as the option to choose a PCM oscillator with its own selection of 450 PCM waveforms when working with the SN Synth engine. Every SN-S oscillator comes with a volume (AMP) & pitch envelope, 2 LFOs and a choice of 7 filter modes with the same envelope adjustments (filter ADSR, resonance, cutoff, velocity sensitivity, key feel, etc).
The entirety of the contents of SN Synth can be found in Roland's current flagship VST, Zenology, as well as within The Roland INTEGRA-7.
SuperNATURAL Drum Kit
The third and last type of SuperNATURAL tone is "SN Drum Kit". It is another percussion group similar to a rhythm set (PCM Drum Kit), though only capable of up to 62 mapped percussion tones (from Eb1 to E6). SN Drum Kit tones are similar in implementation to SN Acoustic, where the legacy 4-partial system is done away with for a single Drum INST oscillator that has a lot of the functionality baked into whatever sound is chosen there. And much like SN-A tones, features some properly emulated dynamics beyond typical volume difference, and timbral variance between strikes. The dynamic range can be adjusted per percussion basis.
Every percussion sound in an SN-D tone has a Variation parameter that influences how the rhythm is played (with 3 flams, 3 buzz rolls, and a normal roll as options). Some of which can be activated via MIDI Controls (CC). Please see the Roland FA-06 07 08 Parameter Guide for more.
Every percussion part has its own reverb and chorus parameter, tuning, attack, decay, panning. and like PCM Drum Kit, can access 6 sets of assignable EQs/Compressors to process a percussion tone.
PCM Synth
PCM Synth is where most of the sounds in the unit are, and its engine is largely based on the stereo 4-partial/oscillator tone architecture of previous Roland synthesizers like the XV-5080. The recreated XV content (PRST bank), the GM2 bank and most of the patches from the virtual expansions (EXP) are considered part of the "PCM Synth" Category.
PCM Drum Kit
PCM Drum Kit is much of the same in terms of implementation of Rhythm Sets from previous Roland modules, featuring up to 88 unique 4-partial percussion tones mapped across the keyboard and able to be edited and processed with the same set of envelopes and filters that PCM Synth tones have. The same set of 6 Equalizers and Compressors to process sounds in a PCM Drum Kit tone that were introduced on the INTEGRA-7 are also present on the FA Series of Keyboards.
Despite the separation, PCM Drum Kits are still able to access the same PCM waves as PCM Synth Patches, much like rhythm sets from previous Roland modules can.
Sequencer
The FA Series of keyboards contains an onboard sequencer, allowing the user to record played notes as MIDI data, and play that same data back. The sequencer functions similarly to how the Fantom-G Sequencer functions, where you are given a view with all 16 parts (4 when zoomed in), and the ability to select & edit tracks individually.
The Onboard Sequencer functions similarly to that of a modern Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
The patches loaded in each track mirror the currently loaded Studio Set, which can be changed by the user. You are able to select tracks between using a specified Patch, or using the Onboard Sampler.
The data recorded on a PAD Track will create MIDI data on the PAD track according to the recording, allowing for Sample playback during songs created on the FA Series of keyboards.[1]
The Sequencer also allows you to export the song as either a Standard MIDI File (SMF), a WAV Stereo Mix, or WAV Multitrack.[1]
Recording Data
For recording, you are given many options. You can enable things such as Count-In, Realtime Quantization, Automatic Loop, Tempo Recording, Rhythm Pattern Sync, Etc. You are also able to select what specific parts you would like to record when using the record function.[1]
During a recording, All notes played on the keyboard of the FA will be registered and put into the selected track. On the sequencer, there are colors to denote what type of data is currently on the track at that part of the song.
If a track is Red, then there is Note data alongside other messages. If a track is Green, then only Non-Note data exists. If a track is Blue, then only note data exists.[1]
Alongside Real-Time Recording, You can also utilize a feature called Step Recording. This feature allows you to slowly play through your song, and more accurately place and remove notes to your liking.[1]
To undo any recording, Simply use the Undo function while on the sequencer screen. (SHIFT + 6)
Editing Recorded Data
The Onboard Sequencer allows you to also edit events in a view similar to what most DAW's tend to refer to as a List Editor. Here, you can view the midi data on a Piano Roll while being able to edit the specifics of every event on the track (Such as Note On Time, Note Length, Note Velocity, CC Controller, CC Value, Pitchbend, etc.). The Roland FA-06 07 08 Reference Manual refers to this as Microscope View[1]
You can also edit all tracks together, with some more broad features such as Quantizing, Erasing, or Transposing every single track & note in the current song that is loaded.
For a more detailed explanation, Please see the Page 64 of the Roland FA-06 07 08 Reference Manual.
Sampler
The FA Series of keyboards contains an onboard sampler, similar to that of the SP-404 line of samplers by Roland. Utilizing the 16 pads on the FA, as well as 4 different banks, you can load up to 64 total samples on the Onboard Sampler.
You can either record samples from the Keyboard, or import samples from the SD card. Supported sample types are as follows
- WAV / AIFF File[1]
- 44.1/48/96 kHz Sampling Frequency
- 8/16/24 Bit rate
- MP3 File[1]
- MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 Format
- 44.1kHz Sampling Frequency
- 64/80/96/112/128/160/192/224/256/320 kbps Bit rate, or VBR (Variable Bit Rate)
Expansions
By utilizing axial.roland.com, you can add Virtual Expansion (Exp) cards to your Roland FA via a USB.[1]
Please note that the USB may not exceed more than 16 GB, otherwise the FA will not register or read from it.
The available Expansion Cards are as follows:
- Exp-01 Dance Trax Collection
- Exp-02 Keys Collection
- Exp-03 World Collection
- Exp-04 Concert Piano Collection
- Exp-05 Electric Piano Collection
- Exp-06 Studio Collection
- Exp-07 Brass Collection
- Exp-08 Strings Collection
- Exp-09 Complete Piano Collection
- Exp-10 Orchestra Collection
- Exp-11 Analog/Vintage Digital Synth Collection
These Expansion Cards are repackaged versions of the SRX expansion boards made for previous Roland synthesizers.
| Name | Waveforms | Tones | Rhythm Sets | Notes and links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exp-01 Dance Trax Collection | 829 | 361 | 16 | |
| Exp-02 Keys Collection | 629 | 406 | 0 | |
| Exp-03 World Collection | 629 | 406 | 16 | |
| Exp-04 Concert Piano Collection | 48 | 50 | 0 | |
| Exp-05 Electric Piano Collection | 168 | 50 | 0 | |
| Exp-06 Studio Collection | 522 | 128 | 12 | |
| Exp-07 Brass Collection | 261 | 100 | 0 | |
| Exp-08 Strings Collection | 196 | 128 | 0 | |
| Exp-09 Complete Piano Collection | 40 | 42 | 0 | |
| Exp-10 Orchestra Collection | 512 | 449 | 5 | |
| Exp-11 Analog/Vintage Digital Synth Collection | 222 | 125 | 0 |
Download |
Version 2.0 Upgrade
In June of 2017, Roland had announced their new keyboard joining the Roland FA Series of keyboards, the Roland FA-07. Along with this was the announcement of a firmware update for the existing FA-06 and FA-08 keyboards.
This update added a few new features that had been requested by users.
- Sound Remain[3]
- This allowed the user to easily set up instrument switches at the push of a button for live performances. By changing the Keyboard Group via the Pad Controls, you can create many layered patches for use at performances, or in a studio setting.
- Saving the current Pad Mode alongside the Studio Set[3]
- The Pad Configuration was now able to be saved alongside the Studio Set, so that it can be unique for each Studio Set, removing a lot of hassle changing it for every performance.
- Virtual Pads[3]
- Virtual Pads allowed the ability to use the numeric buttons below the display to perform the same function set on Sampler Pads 1 through 8.
- Master Keyboard Functionality[3]
- Utilizing the MIDI OUT port on the back of the FA, this allowed the user to control external MIDI Devices by playing notes on the keyboard.
- Ableton Live Control via the DAW Control Mode[3]
- This function added the ability to control Ableton Live to the DAW Control Mode. More about the DAW Control mode is mentioned later on this page.
Other Functions
DAW Control Mode
The FA Series of keyboards, while being a proper synthesizer workstation, could also function as a MIDI Controller keyboard.
Upon pressing the DAW Control mode, the keyboard instantly stops producing sound from the keyboard, and instead uses the keyboard to transmit MIDI Messages to a computer over USB.
There are 3 different options tailored to specific DAWs available (4 with the Version 2.0 Firmware Update[3]). The options are as follows[1]:
- LOGIC PRO
- SONAR
- CUBASE
- Ableton Live (Requires Version 2.0 Firmware Update)[3]
There is also a USER preset mapping, allowing you to map the controls to match the specific DAW you are using.
When using LOGIC PRO, SONAR, CUBASE, or USER, you are only given access to 8 of the 16 pads, and you can assign them to MIDI CC Controllers via the Controller menu in DAW Control Mode. In Ableton Live mode, you are given access to all 16 pads.
When using DAW Control mode, you are also able to control more than just MIDI Parameters by utilizing the Mackie Control Universal (MCU) Protocol. This allows you to stop, play, rewind, fast forward, and record, all from the keyboard itself.
Setting Up DAW Control Mode for Logic Pro[1]
This explanation describes the procedure when using Logic Pro X. The procedure may differ for other versions.
- From the Logic Pro X menu, choose [Logic Pro X] -> [Control Surfaces] -> [Setup] to open the settings screen
- From the menu, choose [New] -> [Install]
- From the list of Model, choose “Mackie Control” and press “Add.”
- As the input port and the output port, specify “FA-06 08 DAW CTRL.”
Setting Up DAW Control Mode for Sonar[1]
This explanation describes the procedure when using SONAR X2 Producer. The procedure may differ for other versions.
- From the SONAR menu, choose [Edit] -> [Preferences] -> [MIDI Devices] to open the input/output device selection
- To the input devices and output devices, add “FA-06 08 DAW CTRL.”
- In [Preferences], choose [MIDI Control Surfaces]
- Press “Add new Controller/Surface” to access the control surface settings dialog box
- Choose “Mackie Control” as the control surface, choose “FA-06 08 DAW CTRL” as the input port and output port, and then press “OK.”
Setting Up DAW Control Mode for Cubase[1]
This explanation describes the procedure when using the Mac OS X version of Cubase 7. The procedure may differ for other versions.
- From the Cubase [Devices] menu, choose [Device Setup]
- Press the [+] button located in the upper left of the dialog box, and choose "Mackie Control" from the pulldown menu.
- As the MIDI Input and MIDI Output for Mackie Control, specify "FA-06 08 DAW CTRL."
- In the left side of the dialog box, choose “MIDI Port Setup” to access the setting screen
- In “FA-06 08 DAW CTRL,” clear the check box from “In ’ALL MIDI Inputs’.”
D-Beam
D-Beam is a feature that has been on many Roland keyboards and synthesizers, starting in 1998 with the MC-505.
The controller is usually mounted in the equipment's panel facing upwards, and senses the performer's hand (or other body part) at a height of up to 15" (~40 cm) or so above the device.
Although controlled in a similar manner to a theremin, the operating principles are fundamentally different, since the theremin uses capacitive sensing.
On the FA Series of keyboards, you are able to map the D-Beam to function as either a standalone synth wave that changes pitch depending on the position of the performer's hand, or you can map it to the expression function (MIDI CC 11).
Alternatively, you can map it to a custom user option, definable in the Utility menu of the FA. You can assign it to a plethora of different values.
Demo Song Data
By default the SD Card that comes with the FA keyboard contains 4 demo songs, each utilizing the Sequencer, and some also utilizing the Sampler.
Links
Notes
- ↑ Can be changed to Insert FX (78 Types)